Estella Ruth Stotts

Estella Ruth Stotts, age 93, of The Arbors at Minerva and Formerly of New Philadelphia, passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late George and Estella Walters Wilcox, Ruth, as she was known by all, was born at Barnesville, Ohio on February 3, 1923. On March 10, 1945, Ruth married Jack G. Stotts and together the couple raised two children and shared in 57 years of marriage prior to his passing in February of 2003.

Ruth was a longtime member of Broadway United Methodist Church and enjoyed helping to cook and serve meals at the church for many years. She was known for her cooking skills, and enjoyed canning and gardening as well.

During World War II Ruth was employed as a security guard for the Timken Company and later worked as a department manager for the former Nichols Department Store. Ruth served as the Vice President of the former South Side Coffee Service, where she worked alongside her husband in the operation of the firm.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Jill (Larry) Schupbach of Lawrenville, Georgia and Sue (Craig) Deetz of Minerva; two brothers, James Wilcox of Clinton, Ohio and George Wilcox of Georgia; five grandchildren, Jeannine (Rick) Gooch, Paul (Brenda) Chaney, Tammy (Mike) Bush, Todd McNichols and Marjie Bryant; 10 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandson as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her siblings, Paul Wilcox, Robert Wilcox, Shirley Hurst, and Edith Moritz.

The family will greet guests on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 12:30-1:30 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Pastor Mick Foster will lead a service celebrating Ruth’s life at 1:30 PM. Burial alongside her husband will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park. Following the service all are invited to join the family in a time of food and fellowship in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Ruth’s name may be directed to Broadway United Methodist Church, 120 Church Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.